Hidden Gems: Underrated Mobile Games You Need to Play

10 May 2025

When it comes to mobile gaming, most people seem to gravitate toward the usual suspects—“PUBG Mobile,” “Call of Duty: Mobile,” “Clash of Clans,” and the like. Don’t get me wrong, those games are great, but let’s face it: they’re like the blockbuster movies of the gaming world. Everyone knows about them. But what if I told you there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known mobile games just waiting to blow your mind? These aren’t games you’ll see plastered all over app store ads or topping the charts, but they’re every bit as good—if not better.

In this article, I’ll take you on a little adventure to uncover some of the most underrated mobile games you absolutely need to play. Whether you’re into puzzle-solving, action-packed adventures, or quirky simulators, there’s something for you here. So, let’s dive right in, shall we?

What Makes a Hidden Gem?

First off, what exactly qualifies as a “hidden gem”? For me, a hidden gem is a game that might not be making headlines or stacking up millions of downloads, but it’s packed with creativity, polish, and, above all, fun. These games are often created by smaller teams or indie developers who pour their hearts and souls into their projects.

The problem? They sometimes get buried under the avalanche of big-name releases. That’s why I’m here to shine a light on these underrated masterpieces.

1. Alto’s Odyssey

Let’s start with a game that’s an absolute work of art. “Alto’s Odyssey” is one of those games where you pick it up thinking, “I’ll just play for five minutes,” and suddenly, it’s three hours later.

This endless runner has you snowboarding (well, sandboarding) down gorgeous, procedurally-generated landscapes. But it’s not about racking up points—it’s about the vibes. The visuals are breathtaking, with a minimalist art style that feels almost meditative. Pair that with a soothing soundtrack, and you’ve got a game that’s equal parts thrilling and relaxing.

If your brain’s been buzzing from too much doomscrolling, this is the perfect escape.

2. Mini Metro

Now, if you’re the kind of person who loves organization and optimizing things (or just enjoys pretending they’re in charge of a city), “Mini Metro” is a must-play.

This minimalist puzzle game has you designing metro (subway) systems for growing cities—and let me tell you, this game is more addicting than your morning coffee. It starts off simple enough, but as your city grows, so does the chaos. Suddenly, you’re scrambling to connect stations and prevent overcrowding, and it’s so satisfying when you finally figure it out.

It’s like Tetris, but for urban planners.

3. Reigns

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a king? Well, wonder no more. “Reigns” puts you on the throne, where you make decisions by swiping left or right—yes, kind of like a royalty Tinder.

Your choices affect four critical resources: your kingdom’s people, your wealth, your army, and the church. Sounds simple, right? Trust me, it’s not. Balancing these factors is a tightrope act, and one wrong move can send your entire kingdom spiraling into chaos.

Oh, and did I mention the quirky writing? The game has a dark sense of humor that’ll have you laughing even as you’re being dethroned (again).

4. A Dark Room

Sometimes, less is more—and “A Dark Room” is proof of that. This text-based game is as minimalist as they come, but don’t let its simplicity fool you. Beneath the surface lies a surprisingly deep, atmospheric experience that’ll creep under your skin in the best way possible.

You start with nothing but a dark room and a dwindling fire to tend to. As you progress, you’ll gather resources, build up your environment, and uncover a story that’s as mysterious as it is compelling.

It’s like peeling an onion. The layers keep coming off, and you’re never quite sure what you’ll find next.

5. Evoland 2

“Evoland 2” is a love letter to gaming itself. Seriously, this game feels like it was designed by a group of hardcore gamers who wanted to create the ultimate tribute to their favorite medium.

At its core, it’s an RPG, but here’s the kicker: the gameplay evolves as you progress. One minute, you’re playing a classic 8-bit adventure; the next, it’s a turn-based strategy game, then a platformer, then a fighting game, and so on.

It’s like having an entire arcade’s worth of games rolled into one package. Plus, the humor and pop culture references are spot-on.

6. Battleheart

RPG fans, this one’s for you. “Battleheart” is a deceptively simple RPG with some of the most satisfying real-time combat you’ll find on mobile.

You assemble a party of heroes, each with their own unique abilities, and guide them through battles by drawing lines on the screen. It’s easy to pick up but requires strategy and quick thinking to master.

Think of it like a bite-sized version of the RPGs you’d play on consoles, but with controls perfectly adapted for mobile.

7. Monument Valley 2

Okay, this one’s a bit more popular, but it’s still underrated in my book. “Monument Valley 2” is a puzzle game that feels like walking through a beautifully illustrated storybook.

You guide characters through surreal, Escher-like landscapes, manipulating the environment to create new pathways. It’s equal parts brain-bending and heartwarming, with a story about the bond between a parent and child.

This game isn’t just something you play; it’s something you experience.

8. Crashlands

If you’re into survival games like “Don’t Starve,” you’ll adore “Crashlands.” This quirky adventure game drops you on an alien planet full of bizarre creatures and challenges you to survive, craft, and build.

But here’s the twist: “Crashlands” is all about streamlining the survival genre. Forget annoying inventory micromanagement—this game makes crafting and exploration seamless, allowing you to focus on the fun stuff.

Oh, and the humor? It’s chef’s kiss. Every character, item, and quest is dripping with personality.

9. Sky: Children of the Light

“Sky: Children of the Light” is hands-down one of the most gorgeous mobile games ever made. From the minds behind “Journey” (yeah, that Journey), this game is all about exploration, connection, and, well, beauty.

You play as a child of light, gliding through stunning, dreamlike worlds and interacting with other players along the way. It’s not competitive—it’s collaborative. The focus is on working together to uncover secrets and spread light.

It’s like therapy in video game form.

10. Pocket City

If building your own city from scratch sounds like your kind of fun, “Pocket City” is a mobile SimCity-style game that ticks all the boxes.

You’ll plan roads, zones, and public services while managing your city’s economy and keeping your citizens happy. Unlike many city-building games, there are no timers, microtransactions, or paywalls. It’s just pure city-building bliss.

For anyone who’s ever looked at a real-life city map and thought, “I could do better,” this is your chance to prove it.

Why Give These Games a Shot?

Look, I get it—mobile gaming doesn’t always have the best reputation. Thanks to a sea of pay-to-win mechanics and ad-packed shovelware, it’s easy to overlook the hidden gems. But trust me, these games are proof that mobile gaming can be just as rewarding and immersive as playing on a console or PC.

Plus, let’s be real: mobile games are convenient. Whether you’re standing in line, on a lunch break, or just too lazy to boot up a larger device, your phone is always within reach. So why not load it up with some truly fantastic games?

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—ten criminally underrated mobile games that deserve a spot on your home screen. These aren’t just games; they’re experiences. They’re the kind of titles that remind you why you fell in love with gaming in the first place.

So next time you’re scrolling aimlessly through the app store, give one of these hidden gems a try. Who knows? You might just find your next obsession.